Sula Vineyards, Nashik resonated to the sound of music when the annual festival Sulafest came alive on the 1^st and 2^nd of February. It was the perfect day out for wine aficionados, food lovers and those seeking quality recreation and live entertainment to let their hair down and party. With the chilly weather just right, it was the perfect dose for an evening of music, wine and entertainment with the right set of people.

Sulafest evokes the words ‘massive crowds’, ‘grape vineyards’, ‘good music’, all set within the charming and spectacular Sula Vineyards. In its seventh edition, this year was truly bigger and better than ever. This time the event had not one but two stages the other being the Electro Zone. Organized as a two day event, the show was completely sold out and received an overwhelming response on both days. It was an intoxicating mix of music and wine, so often that you cannot mistake this festival for anything other than the feel good, smiling and fun spirit it brings about in anyone who attends it. While the wine connoisseurs exchanged conversations over wine, the organizers also introduced a new product Grape seed oil to the over 8,000 music worshippers making the pilgrimage on both days.

The event also saw about a dozen bikes of Harley Owners Group parked at the venue. The group probably rode down to Nashik on their favorite Harley Davidson bikes from different parts of the country.

After a guided tour of the winery and a wine tasting session on Day One, we are greeted by an extraordinary mix of music rising up from the festival stage… a Greek styled amphitheatre, with opening act DJ Baba Robijn in attendance. This was followed by some amazing performances by acclaimed British Indian singer – songwriter Susheela Raman. Raman gave an electrifying live performance packaged with her style of carnatic music, jazz, Sufi, ambient and blues. This was followed by ska – reggae group once again from the UK. Founded by the Cranstoun brothers, Tyber and Si, the band was in their element minus Si (who has launched his solo career) creating a perfect pitch for those sitting lazily on the amphitheatre steps to get down and shake a leg. The band dressed in their finest suits and shoes played to songs like their hits singles Kiss on the Lips and Don’t go.

The final performance of the day was Gypsy All Stars. Headed by Georges Reyesthe glorious son of Gipsy Kings founder  Nicolas Reyes, Georges and his band that also consists of Mario Reyes and drummer Cedric Leonardi, not forgetting the Indian element of Rumba-meets-Raga with tabla virtuoso Salar Nadar and Rajasthani vocalists and musicians. There was loads of eye candy for the Indian junta when the French musicians brought in their flamenco superstar to groove on the stage. The managed to bring the now defunct Gypsy Kings music alive and keep the musical heritage of songs like Bamboleo and Volare alive. Both tracks performed by the Gypsy All Stars were surely the highlight of the evening.

Festival goers also had the opportunity to witness some amazing filler acts on the main stage like Shpongle, a Vero Moda Fashion show, and a trio called Filter Coffee. The Electro Zone a small setup, close to the vineyard, had EDM playing loud and clear with DJs like Raimund, a female DJ duo called The Elektrovertz and Anktytrixx.

If you didn’t like any of the two places you still had a chance to witness the acoustic sessions (Krishna Marathe and Gayathri) and the standup comedy stage that had the likes of Daniel Fernandes, Amog Ranadive and Atul Khatri.

Day 2 began with DJ Tom Peppe, followed by Delhi belle vocalist Vasuda Sharma. The singer-songwriter who has lived in Mumbai for the last nine years, found her passion for music and also her band, Aasma. Now though the band performs at private functions, Sharma a Berklee College of Music student regaled the crowd with her five band army belting out hits from her debut album released sometime ago. Indian fusion backed with a western touch saw the sax and the flute on many of the songs, in what can be billed one of the better opening acts of the day from an independent musician who has carved a niche for herself and making waves slowing into a big time artist. Think about a rock band from the south of India and the first thing that comes to mind is Malayalam rockers Avial. Named after a popular south Indian dish avial, this Indian alternative rock band headed by Tony John on vocals brought the house down at the Sulafest. The bald headed John dressed in ditto south Indian attire with lungi and shirt, pranced on stage like a roaring lion as he belted out hits from the band’s debut album, including the hit song Nada Nada. If you thought he'd belt out the super hit Lungi dance, you were mistaken, his Malayalam rock is his forte. His soaring vocals backed by a very tight lineup of Rex Vijayan on guitar, Mithun Puthanveetil on drums and Binny Issac on bass gave a fusion of native folk music from the shores of Kerela. Neha Nair one of their female crooners also gave an impressive track.

Despite the proceedings beginning a tad early at half past two under the blistering Nashik sun, there were eager listeners seated all around. The Dub Pistols from London gave the audience a new sound of dub music and big beats. The day at the main stage concluded with Italian composer, record producer and solo DJ Gaudi who spun some amazing tracks of world beat and electronica, including influences of reggae.

While the acoustic stage saw less activity on Day Two, with even the stand up comedian’s stage having a no show, the Electro Zone pulsated with DJ acts like Mescalito, DJ Anna and the top of all of them put together Ma Faiza. There were also a few new names as fillers on the main stage namely The Family Cheese and Gloria a dancer.

Speaking on the Sulafest, a visibly excited Rajeev Samant- Founder and CEO, Sula Vineyards said. “I am happy to host the Sulafest each year and showcase to everyone our wines to all who visit us. This is a place where youngsters not just taste the wine, learn more about it by taking a tour of the winery, and understand the varieties grown here, but enjoy the event with classy music, dance and few distinct fun activities like wine stomping. It also gives a chance to sample the wines and take home merchandise connected to wine.”

Samant began the winery about 17 years ago after he returned from America, tending to the vineyards himself, then with a staff just about a dozen. Samant has helped many farmers along the way. Samant’s business venture not only allows him to be on his own land all the time, it also offers him an abode to have his own house near the vineyard where he lives with his family. Those wishing to spend a weekend at the Sula Vineyards and be one with nature, can also avail of special self contained rooms near the vineyard periphery at attractive rates.

When the fest began in 2008, the response was average, but has picked up and is becoming one of the most awaited one for wine lovers. This year’s event was attended by wine lovers from Mumbai, Nashik and Pune not forgetting dozens of firanges. People not only had a chance to taste and buy wine, the place was also a boon for those seeking some great food and lip-smacking desserts.

Fashion was high at Sula. Many a young lady was spotted in spaghetti strap dresses, maxi dresses to micro minis, short pants, with equally low necklines. A few young ladies (and a few gents as well) adorned themselves with sporty fedora hats and designer sun glasses. Broaches, tattoos, designer bags and shoes were the order of the day, each person outdoing the other. Surely one can say that their looks were global and trendy keeping the fest in mind.

Singer Vasuda Sharma who performed here says that the festival offers a chance for music lovers to relish every genre of music from pop, Indian fusion to dub and ska music too. “Everyone has a chance to pick on what they like here; it’s a jamboree of musical languages catering to every palate.”

In making wine consumption more popular, Sula Vineyards in collaboration with an overseas partner, also has opened a wine bar Vinoteca in Mumbai which serves a Spanish menu that will go along with all wines. It’s a must visit when in Mumbai, especially if you can’t make it all the way to Nashik.

Now in its seventh year, we can confidently state that Sulafest is one of the most awaited and well organized wine - music festivals this side of the globe.

Text and Photos by Verus Ferreira